July 18. On this date in 1976, the Universal House of Justice addressed a letter to a National Spiritual Assembly, wherein they stated "it is not possible to shorten the period of waiting," meaning one year, prior to "obtaining a divorce," but adding that "a National Spiritual Assembly may, if circumstances justify it, backdate the beginning of the year."

July 18. On this date in 1976, the Universal House of Justice addressed a letter to a National Spiritual Assembly, wherein they stated "it is not possible to shorten the period of waiting," meaning one year, prior to "obtaining a divorce," but adding that "a National Spiritual Assembly may, if circumstances justify it, backdate the beginning of the year."

1326. It is Not Possible to Shorten the Period of Waiting

"It is not possible to shorten the period of waiting as this is a provision of the Kitab-i-Aqdas. However, a National Spiritual Assembly may, if circumstances justify it, backdate the beginning of the year provided that this is not earlier than the date the parties last separated with the intention of obtaining a divorce. It is not clear in the case you have cited whether the parties lived together during the period between June 1975 and the date you set for the beginning of the year of waiting on January 15th. If the parties were separated during this period and living in separate residences, then you could consider backdating the beginning of the year of waiting."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Assembly, July 18, 1976)